A.S. Baldwin

Archibald Stewart Baldwin (1857-1924) and J. R. Howell were the principals in the real estate firm of Baldwin and Howell, a successor to an earlier firm, McFee and Baldwin. Baldwin was born in Winchester, Virginia and came to California in 1879, and soon found success in the real estate business. Much of the residential development in San Francisco is the result of the work of Baldwin & Howell, including the development of Adolph Sutro’s 1,000-acre estate, Rancho San Miguel. It is Baldwin who is credited with conceiving the idea of the Twin Peaks Tunnel. Baldwin and Howell were also responsible for the development of St. Francis Woods, which remains as one of the City’s most prestigious residential enclaves. He and his wife Emma Clarke Baldwin lived in the first home built in Presidio Terrace, built by his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford W. Clarke, in 1905. Clarke’s early investment in the development, helped ensure the success of his son-in-law’s business venture. The Baldwins resided with the Clarkes for many years, and Baldwin died there in 1924.
(Courtesy Patrick McGrew).